Minister of Works, David Umahi has said the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State would be re-opened for public use on Thursday, April 4.
He said this on Saturday, March 30, while inspecting projects in the state along with some lawmakers.
“In the next seven days, the bridge will be opened to ease traffic. Officially, President Bola Tinubu will be commissioning the rehabilitated road when he will be inaugurating the construction of the coastal road,” the minister said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi also disclosed that the bridge would be re-opened by Thursday via a post on his official X handle.
“Dear Lagos residents, We’re pleased to share that the Third Mainland Bridge will resume full operations on April 4, 2024, following extensive repairs. We thank you for your cooperation and patience,” he noted.
The bridge was closed in November 2023 following an announcement by the Federal Ministry of Works that comprehensive repairs were to be carried out on it.
Measures have been taken to lessen the transport challenges resulting from the closure.
The repairs on the bridge are being carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The contract was awarded for N21 billion, according to Umahi.
The minister, however, said there was a need for additional costs to cover asphalt, solar light, and CCTV installations, among others.
There had been reports that the bridge was shaking. However, we gathered that the Ministry of Works described them as rumours and urged road users to ignore them.